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Staying in the Driver's Seat:
Driving Tips for seniors |
| Tracey Cousineau - Outreach Manager |
| 6/23/2008 |
With aging of the baby-boom generation, more and more seniors are staying active and staying behind the wheel longer. By 2030, more than 70 million Americans will be 65 or older; at least 90 percent of them will be licensed to drive. As a group, drivers 75 and older have one of the highest rates of fatal daytime accidents. Often, senior drivers in such accidents had no idea that their driving abilities had gradually become impaired over the years. The good news is that people who keep track of changes in their eyesight, physical fitness and reflexes may be able to adjust their driving habits. Though many challenges face elderly drivers, they can do a lot to ensure they not only continue to drive, but also drive safely and keep their auto insurance rates low.
It’s advisable that all senior drivers ask their physician at annual check-ups about conditions or medications that may affect their ability to drive. Other questions to ask the doctor include, when and where is it appropriate to drive, and are there any exercises to improve my overall strength and flexibility?
Another question drivers should consider is the impact of auto design features on their ability to drive safely. Seats should be fully adjustable, allowing drivers to sit comfortably with a clear view of the road, display panels, and mirrors. Seat belts and shoulder harnesses should be easy to reach, requiring little or no maneuvering to properly fasten. Dashboard control panels and display screens should be clear to read and easy to understand. For more information you can visit CarFit. CarFit is a free, individualized safety check sponsored by AARP, AAA and AOTA that helps you increase control and comfort as a driver.
Mature driving courses are a great way for seniors to get informed about potential problems and to freshen up on safe driving techniques. AAA offers several FREE easy-to-use computer programs at www.aaaexchange.com that helps identify age-related changes that could put older drivers at risk and test driving abilities. The Bangor AAA club also offers AAA Safe Driving for Mature Operators Driver Improvement Program which provides traffic violation point reductions and insurance premium discounts. The online course fee is only $15.95 for AARP members and $19.95 for non-members. Call 942-8287 for more information. Another option is the Maine Mature Driver Course which is approved by The Maine Bureau of Highway Safety. This 6 hour course offers a chance to refresh your skills, expand your knowledge, and earn insurance discounts. Call 800-990-2813 for more information or to register for this $40.00 course. A reminder for seniors who don’t have access to a computer, the Lincoln Library offers free internet access and instruction, call 794-2765 to make an appointment.
Here are some additional tips for senior drivers:
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Get regular eye
exams
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Limit driving to
daytime hours if you have trouble with night vision
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Turn your head
to the left and right often to compensate for a loss of peripheral
vision
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Keep headlights,
windshield and mirrors clean
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Leave more room
in front of the car
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Eliminate
distractions such as a loud radio
-
Plan your route
ahead of time
- Use side roads
if the freeway feels too fast-moving
It is
important to continue driving as long as you can do so safely.
However, for many, the time may
come to limit or stop driving, either temporarily or permanently.
The next Senior Moment’s article
will concentrate on how to know when you should make that decision for
yourself or someone else.
If you have a topic that you would like me to write
about in an upcoming Senior Moments article, please call me at 794-6700,
write to me at Health Access Network,